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My staunch support for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and a global refuge for Jews has always been tied to my steadfast commitment to democracy, equality and peace. 

It’s this admiration that brought me to Israel countless times. However, my first-hand exposure to the detrimental impact of the Israeli government’s policies toward Palestinians greatly concerns me.

In 2021, I traveled to Israel and the West Bank with the pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy group J Street on a trip that profoundly altered my perception of Israel, a country I love and continue to support as an American Reform Jew and former synagogue president. 

I saw the pain of Palestinian families who face daily harassment, intimidation and violence from Jewish settlers, and at times, from the Israeli military. I still remember the scene of a playground in the village of Susiya, left in ruins after settlers attempted to destroy it. Though some structures remained intact, parents were too fearful to let their children return.

With every visit, I have seen the potential for a land and people deeply rooted in the values of “freedom, justice and peace.” Equality “irrespective of religion, race or sex” is enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence. These values have always spoken profoundly to me as an American Jew. But Israel has not yet lived up to its aspirational goals.

As a community deeply invested in Israel’s future, we must confront this reality and ally ourselves with people and organizations that share our vision for a peaceful, secure, and democratic Israel.

For over four decades, I have been actively involved in North American Reform Jewry. My roles as past president of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills and as a former longtime member of the Union for Reform Judaism board have provided me with a deep understanding of the diverse perspectives within our community.

My apprehensions about the future of Israel and the region predate the harrowing events of Oct. 7.

My apprehensions about the future of Israel and the region predate the harrowing events of Oct. 7. Since the last Israeli election, we have seen a government that is even more radicalized, with an agenda antithetical to the vision I cherish.

In the wake of Hamas’ heinous Oct. 7 attack and the ongoing war in Gaza, I have seen more and more American Jews calling for peace, equality and independence for Israelis and Palestinians.

There is no doubt that the crisis has further exacerbated a complex situation for American Jews. Yet among the broad spectrum of views on Israel and politics among the Reform community, certain common themes emerge, such as support for the State of Israel and its significance as a Jewish state and a global refuge for Jews. Our liberal Zionism remains steadfast.

Conversations I’ve had make it clear that a significant majority of our community disapproves of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s anti-democratic actions. We rallied around Israelis last year in support of their overwhelming displays of protest against his extreme government, which sought to overhaul the nation’s independent judiciary. 

An unprecedented number of people have approached me, expressing outrage at the Israeli government’s extremism and inhumane actions in Gaza, most citing the betrayal they feel from an agenda that threatens the very foundations of Israeli democracy and jeopardizes the prospects for peace.

I also hear an overwhelming desire for a cease-fire and a hostage deal. It is a plea that is shared perhaps most loudly by the Israeli public and the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. They want to see their loved ones brought home! But they also want to see Netanyahu step down from office.

The American Jewish mainstream is a community deeply invested in Israel’s future and in peace. As our community continues to grapple and grow with our relationship with the Jewish homeland, so too must we find and embrace organizations that speak for us.

For me, this means deepening my involvement with J Street, an organization whose mission aligns seamlessly with my Reform Jewish values. Since Oct. 7, the need for a secure, democratic Israel living in peace with its neighbors has only become more urgent. This is a message that resonates with the aspirations of many Reform Jews. We must unite behind this shared vision and support those who can lead us toward it.